KUALA LUMPUR – Trading orangutans in the name of diplomacy is nothing short of “animal trafficking”, environmentalists say.
Speaking to Scoop, Sustainable Development Network Malaysia (Susden Malaysia) chairman Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah disapproved of the idea from the plantations and commodities ministry, adding that they should first learn what biodiversity is.
This follows its minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani’s recent statement on gifting orangutans to major palm oil importers as an effort to “prove” Malaysia’s dedication to biodiversity and conservation.
Johari said that major importers like China, India, and some EU members would probably receive the orangutans. However, he didn’t go into detail about when the idea would kick off.
His statement has received backlash from the public, as well as from environmental and sustainability development groups, urging him to abandon the plan involving the wild animals.
Sha’ani, who said it was a terrible idea that the government cannot guarantee whether the orangutans will be used for goodwill or personal gain, stressed that the animals should not be “traded” for diplomatic purposes.
The ministry must adhere to the law, as Malaysia has enacted the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 (Intesa) to regulate the international wildlife trade and the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (WCA) for wildlife protection and conservation, he added.
“We are supposed to protect the environment. What is biodiversity? 90% of the plants in our country depend on natural pollination. Johari should know the importance of biodiversity.
“The ministry can use the phrase ‘Orangutan Diplomacy,’ but they should not use actual orangutans for diplomacy. Animals should not be treated as commodities.
“Animals shouldn’t be used as part of the game or traded in this manner, as we have laws to protect them from cruelty,’ he said, adding that the minister should not set a bad example for the public by disobeying the law.
Sha’ani also proposed that instead of gifting the critically endangered orangutans to other nations, Malaysia should focus on enhancing its own biodiversity.
Animal trades are against the law
Echoing similar sentiments, Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) executive director Shanmugaraj Subramaniam said trading wildlife is against the law.
“We must follow our laws, especially when it comes to trading wildlife abroad. It’s not as easy as just sending them off, there are procedures involved.
“These rules aren’t covered in the plantation industry,” he added.
He pointed out that giving orangutans to major palm oil importers doesn’t show Malaysia’s commitment to protecting biodiversity worldwide.
Instead of giving orangutans to the palm oil buyers for diplomatic relations, the government could contribute a certain amount from the profit it gets from the commodity’s exportation for the conservation of Malaysian forests and wildlife, Shanmugaraj said.
“Making money to fund wildlife conservation is where the real ‘gift’ lies. Each investor in the industry contributes to saving the orangutan,” he said.
In May 2014, China loaned two pandas to Malaysia in celebration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
It has been reported that the annual cost of loaning a pair of pandas to foreign zoos for conservation purposes is approximately US$1 million (RM4.7 million).
Comparing it to China’s panda diplomacy, Shanmugaraj said that Malaysia might need to allocate millions of ringgit towards orangutan conservation.
He also said that the ministry should reconsider this idea, as orangutans are unable to thrive in regions with climates and environments different from Malaysia’s.
“The orangutans are exclusive to the Borneo region. They can’t survive in colder climates; relocation to another country could lead to their deaths.
“Therefore, the ministry must take a firm stance to protect their habitat, recognising their inability to live elsewhere,” he added.
Moreover, Shanmugaraj said that organisations within the palm oil industry are actively engaged in wildlife mitigation efforts in East Malaysia, particularly in Sabah.
“Some companies have designated conservation zones, complete with bridges facilitating orangutan movement across reserved forests in Sabah.
“Extensive research is being conducted in this regard, and the plantation sector is committed to reintroducing orangutans into their natural habitats through conservation initiatives,” he said.
Other effective approaches besides ‘orangutan diplomacy’
According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), prioritising enhanced forest management, in-situ orangutan conservation, promoting sustainable palm oil production, and increasing international funding for conservation initiatives in developing nations are more effective strategies for conserving biodiversity and orangutan populations.
In a statement yesterday, it said the Bornean orangutan has been listed as critically endangered since 2016 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
“Given the critically endangered status of the Bornean orangutans, WWF-Malaysia advocates for in-situ conservation and urges trading partners and the international community to provide support to Malaysia and for companies to shift their paradigm on orangutan conservation.
“Rather than sending orangutans abroad, this approach ensures the survival of the species and promotes responsible conservation practices and sustainable production,” it said. – May 13, 2024
